Victoria Mbangwa
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have issued a final three-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to pay their outstanding salaries, warning of an indefinite strike if their demands are not met.
Their grievances stem from the government’s enforcement of the “No Work, No Pay” policy during a 2022 strike by university-based unions.
According to a statement signed by SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi, a previous 10-day grace period expired on July 26, 2024, without any progress on salary payments. Six weeks later, the unions say the government has still failed to meet its obligations.
The statement reads, “It is in respect of the above that we write to inform the government of the decision of the National JAC of NASU and SSANU at the meeting held on 12th September 2024, that the government be given another three weeks’ final ultimatum from Tuesday, 17th September 2024, to pay the four months’ withheld salaries and also implement the agreement reached with it on 20th August 2022, failing which our members may be forced to embark on indefinite strike action at the expiration of the ultimatum.”
The union further warned that failure to resolve the issue will leave them with no choice but to shut down academic institutions across the country.
“We have it on good authority that Mr. President has given approval for the payment of the four months’ withheld salaries as far back as 18th July 2024 at the national minimum wage meeting with the leadership of NLC and TUC.
“Of recent, we also heard that Mr. President has given approval for the actual release of the payment. Regrettably, nothing has been forthcoming despite all the approvals.”
